She nudged Star to a group of gray-colored rocks and recalled the time when Adam had found Jewel washed up, half dead on this very shore.Elizabeth smiled, wondering if she looked under a rock maybe she would find the person she was meant to spend the rest of her life with.The rocks certainly had been a blessing for Adam and Jewel.
One thing Elizabeth did know was that Dawson, her baby boy, was a blessing.No matter the circumstances of his birth, he was her beautiful child, and he looked just like her with his dark hair and gray eyes.He did have a strange birthmark on his ankle in the shape of a heart, which only made her love him all the more.Other than that he was perfect, and very, very active.
A flock of seagulls flew overhead.It was time to get back to the house before Annie started worrying about her.Carefully, she wound her way through the gray rocks until she made it to the top of the cliff.Then she nudged Star into a gallop, heading home.
She rode Star to the stables and handed him over to a groom.“Make sure he gets a carrot,” Jewel told the groom.“He deserves a treat.”
In no time, she’d strolled to the main house and was just coming to the last step when the front door opened and Giles said, “I saw you approaching, Lady Elizabeth.Did you have a nice ride, mum?”
Elizabeth smiled as she walked past the stiff butler.She’d wager that Giles hadn’t smiled in twenty years.“It was lovely, Giles.Where is Dawson?”
“The nanny has him in the nursery, mum.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth called over her shoulder.She made her way up the stairs and went straight to the nursery, where she nudged open the door and looked inside.Dawson sat in the middle of the floor, stacking blocks.
“Has he been good?”Elizabeth asked Mary, the nanny.
“Yes, mum.He’s always a good little chap.”
“Mummy,” Dawson said as he placed his hands on the floor and shoved his plump bottom into the air before he stood.He remembered his blocks and reached for one, then toddled over to her.“Block.”
“I see you’ve learned a new word today.”
“Block,” Dawson repeated.
“Yes, I see your pretty block.You can use it to build things.”
He looked up at her and smiled.For a moment, he reminded her of Jonathan, with that small dimple in his left cheek.And she felt a lump form in her throat.What if Dawson was really Jonathan’s child and not Lee’s?Then all her running would have been for nothing.
“Story?”Dawson asked and pulled on her hand.
“All right,” Elizabeth said and followed her child to the rocking chair.She sat down and lifted him to her lap.Opening the big book, she began to read him a story.It wasn’t long before she felt his head resting gently on her chest, his breathing slowed, and he slept.
These were the times she enjoyed most.When she held him like this, all her problems seemed to melt away.She hoped Jewel would have her baby soon and then Dawson would have a playmate when they went to visit.
Eventually, Elizabeth would return to America, but not until she felt she could face Jonathan again.
The door swung open, and Annie stuck her head inside and smiled.“I’d love to have a picture of ye two.I just wanted to let ye know that one of the servants came over from Foxmore.”
Elizabeth stood and took Dawson over to his crib where she placed him down, covering him up.She motioned for Annie to leave the room so they wouldn’t wake the baby.Even the mention of Jonathan’s estate, Foxmore, sent chills up Elizabeth’s arm.
“Is there something wrong?”Elizabeth asked finally.
“The Marquess of Middlesex has taken to his bed in London.One of the servants came over earlier to see if ye knew Jonathan’s whereabouts.And, of course, I told them ye dinna know a thing.Sounds serious.”
“I’m sorry to hear of his illness.The marquess is such a dear man.I used to so much enjoy talking to him when I was younger.”Elizabeth thought for a moment.She didn’t like the idea that the dear old man was alone and not feeling well.“Perhaps I should go to London to see him.I can’t bear the thought of him dying alone.”
“’Tis very noble of ye, lass.”
“He is a good man,” Elizabeth said as she tiptoed toward the door.“Annie, tell Mary to pack enough for a week.I’ll take Dawson with me.”
Annie followed her out of the room.“The lad will be needin’ new clothes before long.’Twill be a good time to have him fitted.”
“You have a good point.”Elizabeth stopped and smiled at Annie.“I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to London.Perhaps I’ll order some new clothing for myself.”
Chapter 10
The black brougham displaying the Duke of St.Ives’s impressive coat of arms lumbered down the road on its way to London.The crest was sapphire blue on the outside edges and in the center a bold knight dressed in armor sat astride a mighty black stallion.The mantle draped above the helm was blood red.Underneath the knight was sprawled he Latin for the mottoOne So Bold.It was the only marking on the sleek black carriage, one of the most impressive in all of England.The Trents had two carriages, but this was the one Elizabeth always took on long journeys.
